Guwahati, July 18: Women legislators in the Assam Assembly today closed ranks — not on reservation or empowerment of their gender but on patent for indigenous designs.

They demanded patent for designs used in traditional attires that are being increasingly used by manufacturers outside Assam.

The demand was made during a discussion on weavers. engaged in making of dhoknas and aronais (traditional Bodo dresses), mekhala chadors and gamochas, whose livelihood have been usurped by outsiders whose cheap products have flooded Assam.

Voicing concern over the fate of the state’s weavers, Komali Basumatary of the Bodoland Peoples’ Front (BPF) said import of these dresses had threatened the business prospects of those making traditional attire.

“Things have come to such a pass that after 10 years we will not be able to claim these as our dresses,” she said.

“These dresses made outside are just like ours and come at half the price, threatening the existence of those living on manufacture of these products in the Bodo areas. Traders from outside have taken over the business because we do not have any patent and they don’t have to pay any tax.”

Alaka Sharma (AGP) said it was time the government imposed heavy taxes on the imported dresses and provided all facilities, including securing patents and marketing the products, to save many a family.

Bithika Dev (Congress) and Rumi Nath (BJP) demanded protection for Manipuri attire.

Ramendra Narayan Kalita’s (AGP) was the only male voice on the issue. He demanded protection for weavers who make gamochas.

Agriculture minister Pramila Rani Brahma said: “Our design is our own. We are proud of our Assamese design. The government should take step to develop and patent tribal designs and business.”

Minister of handloom and textiles Pranab Gogoi said the government would take appropriate steps, including imposition of entry tax.